Eleanor Schonell Bridge, Cable-stayed bridge in Brisbane, Australia.
The Eleanor Schonell Bridge is a cable-stayed pedestrian and transit structure spanning 391 meters across the Brisbane River, connecting Dutton Park to the University of Queensland at St Lucia. It features two dedicated bus lanes and separate pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, with 108 solar panels providing electricity for night lighting.
The structure opened in December 2006, replacing a ferry service that had connected Dutton Park and St Lucia since 1967. This new crossing transformed how people accessed the university and nearby neighborhoods along the river.
The bridge displays poems by Brisbane authors Samuel Wagan Watson and Luke Beesley along its footpath and railings, weaving local literary voices into the structure itself. These verses appear as you walk across, connecting movement through the city with written words.
The bridge is fully accessible for pedestrians and cyclists, with wide, level pathways and clear markings for each user group. Daytime visibility is good, and nighttime lighting powered by the solar panels ensures the crossing remains safe and easy to navigate.
This structure stands as Australia's first bridge specifically designed to exclude private motor vehicles, serving only buses, pedestrians, and cyclists. This restricted use makes it a rare approach to urban crossing infrastructure in the country.
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